the crybaby

there was a time when the crybaby

beat fatso Bruno Mezzatesta in a fistfight.

the victory was unexpected.

he was accused of being a "scaredy-cat"

and Bruno paid the price for his close association

with those who said so.

the place was a meadow,–– not the neighborhood

meadow adjacent to the Marconi Club, but a lesser

meadow behind the "Quequechan Housing Project" 

which we passed through on our way home from school.

there were several people in attendance to witness

the fistfight, which to everyones chagrin turned out to be

more of a wrestling match.

Bruno had the measure of the crybaby for a few tussles

but one late punch to the back of his head

and fatso Bruno Mezzatesta began his hasty retreat.

there’s a much older snapshot taken at a family outing

where our young hero-to-be is seen clutching a bag

of what appears to be variety store popcorn,

rubbing his crybaby eyes because, well, who knows.

he might've wanted potato chips instead. 

this photographic entry to the story is proffered

so that you are thoroughly informed.